Geology and Radiometric Dating Quiz

What is an isotope?

• Atoms of different elements that have the same number of neutrons

• Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons

• Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons and neutrons

• Atoms of different elements with different numbers of protons

What is the term for the length of time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay?

• Radiometric dating

• Absolute age

• Half-life

• Rock succession

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which of the following describes an unconformity in geology?

• A continuous sequence of rock layers without interruption

• A place where an old, eroded rock surface is in contact with a newer rock layer

• A fossil used to date the rock layer in which it is found

• A single, widespread rock layer that is unique and easily recognizable

What is an index fossil?

• A fossil that is found in multiple rock layers of different ages

• A fossil known to have lived in a particular geologic age that can be used to date the rock layer in which it is found

• A fossil that is used to determine the absolute age of a rock

• A fossil that is only found in unconformities

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the purpose of radiometric dating?

• To match rocks of similar ages in different locations

• To determine the absolute age of a rock or fossil

• To identify key beds in rock layers

• To describe the sequence of rock layers in chronological order

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8